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Aaron Gasch Burnett

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Inside Policy TalksInside Policy TalksConfiscating Russia's frozen assets for Ukraine's reconstruction: Double Trouble with Balkan Devlen and Aaron Gasch BurnettWelcome to Double Trouble, a special foreign policy focused podcast series within MLI's Inside Policy Talks, to address the growing challenge of the Sino-Russian axis of authoritarianism facing the West.In this episode, MLI's Balkan Devlen sits down with Aaron Gasch Burnett to discuss an innovative policy solution to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction: confiscating the approximately $300 billion US of Russian assets frozen in G7 countries and give it to Ukraine. Western tax payers wouldn't need to pay a cent.The Macdonald-Laurier Institute gratefully acknowledges the support of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Canada.Find Inside...2024-12-0535 minDecades From Home - A Podcast About GermanyDecades From Home - A Podcast About GermanyEp 191: Cowtown ClownsOn this week’s show, journalist and Co-host of the BerlinsideOut podcast Aaron Gasch Burnett returns to the pod, and this time he’s come bearing gifts…well not quite gifts, but a promise to buy Nic & Producer Simon a cowboy hat next time he’s in Canada. Speaking of the land of maple syrup and mounties, Aaron tells us about his recent trip back to his homeland, and also why rodeo clowns are more important than you might expect.Of course, we didn’t invite Aaron on to only talk about his time in Lumberjack country, after all...2024-08-1048 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut32 – Season Finale – The State of Play, The Road Ahead & Where Lies Germany? Wrapping up season 2 of BerlinsideOut, Ben and Aaron give listeners their take on what to watch out for in international security this summer – particularly at the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington, November’s American election, and the incoming European Commission. The hosts talk about the significance of Kaja Kallas’ nomination as the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and explore the state of German politics after the European Parliament Elections. They also discuss their own highlights of the season, its most important lessons – and give you a taste of what’s next for BerlinsideOut. Resource...2024-07-0249 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut31 – Turning Point – from Germany’s Reactive Zeitenwende to Proactive Strategic Change in Europe? In this final regular episode of season 2 – partly recorded on the margins of the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn – Ben and Aaron first chat with a pan-European panel on how to implement the strategic change Europe needs – and back it up with appropriate mindsets, threat perceptions, resources and ‘Teampower’. Then, BerlinsideOut hears remarks from Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas – who spoke with international media during a briefing on the sidelines of the Lennart Meri Conference. Guests: Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia – remarks given at a briefing for international media held on 17 May, 2024 at Stenbock House, Tallinn (@kaja...2024-06-201h 34BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut30 – #MakeRussiaPay – The Strategic Necessity of Seizing Russian Assets for Ukraine’s Victory In part two of BerlinsideOut’s ‘Pillars of Victory’ special – Ben and Aaron go from the front lines to the back rooms – to discuss the necessity of confiscating $300 billion in frozen Russian state assets to help fund both Ukraine’s victory and to hold Russia accountable for Ukraine’s reconstruction. They hear from an international panel of guests on why seizing Russia’s assets is legal and economically feasible – and discuss how doing so would demonstrate strategic resolve. Yet, despite the clear case for making Russia pay for its crimes through the seizure of state assets – Germany remains reluctant to do so. Ben and Aa...2024-06-101h 05BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut29 – "We haven’t even tried yet" – Military Victory in Ukraine In the first of ‘Pillars of Victory’ a two-part special on what the West – including Germany - needs to do to achieve victory for Ukraine, Ben and Aaron talk with top military, diplomatic and NATO experts, who bring years of experience of top-level decision-making to BerlinsideOut. They discuss the level of Western commitment needed for Ukraine to win on the battlefield, how victory is defined, and how to bring Ukraine into NATO to shield it from further Russian aggression after war’s end. Guests: Ben Hodges, Former Commanding General, United States Army Europe (@general_ben) Oleksandr V. Danyl...2024-06-0552 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut28 – Germany’s Nuclear Fear: Deterrence, Escalation, Nuclear and Other Threats In this episode, Ben and Aaron talk to nuclear experts William Alberque and Fabian Hoffmann, as well as to Canada’s former Ambassador to NATO Kerry Buck, about how Russian nuclear sabre-rattling plays into German support for Ukraine, how western leadership on discussing nuclear issues with the public needs to improve, and how to deter Putin’s nuclear brinkmanship. We explain what people in allied states, including Germany, need to know about nuclear weapons and deterrence and how we can drive the debate on these issues beyond debilitating and dangerous fear. We clearly outline the threats we face...2024-05-291h 32BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut27 – ‘Let Us Not Despair, But Act’: Sources of Strategic Hope – TallinnsideOut Live from the Lennart Meri Conference BerlinsideOut, the podcast that takes an expert look at international politics from Berlin – goes to Tallinn! From the International ‘Lennart Meri Conference’ Dr. Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Action Group Zeitenwende at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), and Aaron Gasch Burnett, a security analyst and journalist specialising in German politics, host this special live episode, which they dub - TallinnsideOut! In front of a special live audience in Tallinn, Ben and Aaron talk to world-renowned historian Timothy Snyder, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Portuguese Secretary of State for Defence Ana Isabel Xavier...2024-05-221h 27BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut26 – Stop Self-Deterring! – TallinnsideOut – Talk of the Town from the Lennart Meri Conference BerlinsideOut, the podcast that takes an expert look at international politics from Berlin – goes to Tallinn! From the International ‘Lennart Meri Conference’ Dr. Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Action Group Zeitenwende at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), and Aaron Gasch Burnett, a security analyst and journalist specialising in German politics, host a series of special editions of the podcasts - TallinnsideOut! Ben and Aaron talk to Latvian Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rihards Kols and foreign policy experts Hanna Notte and Balkan Devlen – based in Berlin and Ottawa respectively, about the first day of t...2024-05-2136 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut25 – We Win, They Lose – TallinnsideOut – Talk of the Town from the Lennart Meri Conference BerlinsideOut, the podcast that takes an expert look at international politics from Berlin – goes to Tallinn! From the International ‘Lennart Meri Conference’ Dr. Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Action Group Zeitenwende at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), and Aaron Gasch Burnett, a security analyst and journalist specialising in German politics, host a series of special editions of the podcast - TallinnsideOut! Ben talks to leading think tankers and experts Matthew Kroenig, Yevgeniya Gaber and Michał Baranowski about their key themes and takeaways from the conference so far. They discuss the strategic urgency...2024-05-1731 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut24 – Chip War: Mastering Tech, Geopolitics & the China Challenge Chris Miller, author of the bestselling and highly-awarded “Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology”, sits down with Ben and Aaron to chat about his book, and how the semiconductor industry is redrawing the current map of geopolitical risk – from the Taiwan Strait to Europe and the US. Miller also talks about how corresponding American and European risk assessments of the likelihood of an increasingly aggressive China differ – and what’s needed to properly assess the risk around this critical industry. Ben, Aaron and Chris draw key lessons from the semiconductor industry’s history – incl...2024-05-0852 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut23 – Germany’s Wealth, Power – and Their Limits: Economic Miracles, Imperialist Hangovers, and the "End of History" In the fourth episode of BerlinsideOut season two, Ben and Aaron sit down with Albrecht Ritschl, a renowned German economic historian, to trace the historical origins of Germany’s economic model – and how its current emphasis on geoeconomics and free riding on security has influenced German foreign policy towards Russia, Ukraine, and wider Europe. We also look at how Germany hasn’t completely shaken off its imperial mindset, and how its selective memory culture continues to influence how it views Russia and wider Europe. A spirited discussion of the neoliberal globalisation and (lack of) alternatives to it, ensues. Gues...2024-04-241h 01BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut22 – A Strategic Deficit with German Characteristics: Why Berlin Struggles to Move Beyond the Zeitenwende In season two’s third episode, Ben and Aaron are joined by grand strategy expert Maximilian Terhalle, as well as the DGAP’s own Aylin Matlé and Jacob Ross, to discuss why Germany must move on from its reactive Zeitenwende to a more proactive grand strategy – which marshals all of its resources together for strategic goals. They tackle questions like whether Germany understands authoritarian threats, whether it has geopolitical goals, and how to change its strategic mindset – and strategic culture. Guests: Maximilian Terhalle, Professor of Strategic Studies, London School of Economics (@M_Terhalle) Aylin Matle, Research Fellow, C...2024-04-171h 13BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut21 – "Our Enemies Will Vanish" – Does the West Still Underestimate Ukraine and Overestimate Russia? In the second episode of BerlinsideOut season two, Ben and Aaron sit down with Yaroslav Trofimov, the Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and author of “Our Enemies Will Vanish: The Russian Invasion and Ukraine’s War of Independence”. Guests: Yaroslav Trofimov, Chief Foreigns Affairs Correspondent, The Wall Street Journal and Author, “Our Enemies Will Vanish” (@yarotrof) Resources: Our Enemies Will Vanish: The Russian Invasion and Ukraine’s War of Independence, Yaroslav Trofimov Ukraine Support Tracker, Kiel Institute for the World Economy To defeat Putin in a long war, Ukraine must switch to ac...2024-04-1254 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut20 – Germany’s Failing Zeitenwende – And What to Do About It In BerlinsideOut’s second season premiere, Ben and Aaron dive into Germany’s recent foreign policy problems – driven by a Chancellery whose threat assessment of Russia is increasingly jeopardising European security. Together with parliamentarians Anton Hofreiter and Thomas Erndl, as well as regular panellists Minna Ålander and Britta Jacob, BerlinsideOut lays out how Germany can address its dangerous lack of strategy – and how it can start turning things around to help Ukraine win, deter Russia, and defend European security and democracy. Guests & Twitter handles: Anton Hofreiter MdB (Greens), Chair of the German Bundestag European Affairs Committee (@ToniHofre...2024-03-201h 22Hub PodcastsHub PodcastsHub Headlines: What are Putin’s fascist ambitions?Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best commentaries and analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go. 0:22 - Mariupol’s fate lays bare Putin’s fascist ambitions, by Ian Garner and Taras Kuzio   11:39 - Want to be a real global leader, Canada? Start by seizing Russian assets, by Aaron Gasch Burnett   If you enjoy The Hub’s podcasts consider subscribing to our weekly email newsletter featuring our best insights and analysis. Free. Ca...2024-03-1817 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut19 – MunichsideOut Live From the PSC: Neo-Idealism – Winning the Systemic Competition Starts in Ukraine In this special episode of BerlinsideOut, Ben and Aaron take questions live at the 2024 Pirate Security Conference in Munich. They chat about how Germany needs to change its strategy to have a will to win in the systemic struggle between democracies and authoritarian regimes – and why that starts in Ukraine. They also chat about and take questions on renewing democracy, Neo-Idealism, how to defend democracies (and to create societies worth defending) as well as why we need a strategic approach. Guests: Audience from Pirate Security Conference 2024 (@PirateSecon) Resources: Pirate Security Conference 2024 2023 has shown us th...2024-02-201h 16BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut19 – MunichsideOut: The Munich Security Conference and Germany’s Foreign Policy Agenda BerlinsideOut, the podcast that takes an expert look at international politics from Berlin (and Munich!). Hosted by Dr. Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Action Group Zeitenwende at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), and Aaron Gasch Burnett, a journalist specialising in German politics, we look at how Germany sees the world and the world sees Germany. In this special episode of BerlinsideOut, Ben and Aaron head to the Munich Security Conference and talk about how Germany uses the world’s most well-known international security gathering to influence global foreign policy agendas. Ben, Aa...2024-02-1737 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut18 – Freedom is a Duty – Why Germany Needs to Go From Zeitenwende to Grand Strategy In BerlinsideOut’s first season finale, Ben and Aaron identify key themes and talk through their highlights from the last few months focusing on how Germany’s Zeitenwende has progressed - or not - in that time, how allies see that, and why Germany needs a real grand strategy. We also have a look back at some of the most memorable lines and lessons from the first season, look ahead to season two – and answer listener questions on everything from German commitment to NATO and preparedness for war, to trying to explain the thinking of Olaf Scholz. Guests...2024-02-061h 05BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut17 – Germany and the US: Here, Ukraine Matters – Discussion with Alexander Vindman [Part 2] In this second of a two-part series, Ben and Aaron speak with Alexander Vindman – the man who literally wrote the book on Trump – Here, Right Matters – detailing his decision to report the phone call between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, resulting in Trump’s impeachment. Alexander speaks about the possibility of a second Trump presidency, but also how Europe needs a new strategy for how to deal with Russia – with or without American support. Vindman is clear that while Europe would be capable of producing the capabilities it needs, the will to defend itself is lacking and that puts...2024-02-0245 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut17 – Germany and the US: Common Strategic Deficit & Mutually-Assured Dysfunction [Part 1] In the penultimate week of BerlinsideOut’s first season, Ben and Aaron take a look at the transatlantic relationship’s current strategic deficit, what’s in store for the relationship during either a Trump or a Biden win in 2024, and the China challenge that will come increasingly into view over the next few years. With four expert guests they discuss the common problems that Germany, the US and other democratic societies face at home and abroad, from popular discontent to a self-imposed strategic deficit that needs to be corrected. If it is not, Germany and the US’s curren...2024-01-301h 18BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut16 – Canada and Germany: Finding Ways to Take Strategic Responsibility [Part 2] In this two-part series, BerlinsideOut talks about Germany’s relationship with Aaron’s (other) home country of Canada, its potential role in helping to provide Germany and the rest of the democratic team with critical resources, whether both countries are underpricing Russian and Chinese threats, and how to leverage another transatlantic relationship amidst uncertain political times in the US. In part two, Ben and Aaron pick up core BerlinsideOut themes with Anessa Kimball and Stephanie Carvin. They discuss how Germany and Canada both depend heavily on liberal ordering but, thanks to a strategic deficit in both countries, are...2024-01-261h 02BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut16 – Canada and Germany: From Free-Riding Laggards to Re-engaged Teammates? [Part 1] In this two-part series, BerlinsideOut talks about Germany’s relationship with Aaron’s (other) home country of Canada, its potential role in helping to provide Germany and the rest of the democratic team with critical resources, whether both countries are underpricing Russian and Chinese threats, and how to leverage another transatlantic relationship amidst uncertain political times in the US. In the first episode, Ben and Aaron speak to Balkan Devlen, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, and Christian Leuprecht from the MacDonald-Laurier Institute about German-Canadian relations, missed opportunities, the role each country can play on a team of democracies, and how Canada can...2024-01-2357 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut15 – Germany and UK: Military Cooperation – Different Roles, Common Needs. [Part 2] In this second of a two-part series, Ben and Aaron look at Germany’s relationship with Ben’s native UK – and how Russia’s war against Ukraine has necessitated a move-on from the tension around Brexit to new ways of cooperating – particularly on security issues. Together with retired Air Marshal Edward Stringer Ben and Aaron look at the respective capabilities and posture, as well as the potentially complementary roles of the UK and Germany – in light of their common and urgent need to step up on defence. That need is only heightened by the possibility of a Trump presidency in the US –...2024-01-191h 02BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut15 – Germany and UK: Friends in Need Must Start Playing as Teammates [Part 1] In this first of a two-part series, Ben and Aaron look at Germany’s relationship with Ben’s native UK – and how Russia’s war against Ukraine has necessitated a move-on from the tension around Brexit to new ways of cooperating – particularly on security issues. They look at how the two countries should prepare for a possible Trump presidency in the US, how they can both cooperate to meet European security needs, and how to keep working together without the common forum of the EU. In light of the urgency and seriousness of the security situation in Europe it’s essential...2024-01-161h 34BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut12 – Why Ukraine Must Win – and Germany Must Finish Its Zeitenwende [Part 2] In the second part of a special on Ukraine (and bumper Christmas episode) BerlinsideOut looks at current German strategy for European Security and why it needs to both finish its Zeitenwende and think bigger. Ben provides an update from Vilnius and, together with Aaron, they address the recent decision on Ukraine’s EU Accession talks and the keynote speech of HE Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, calling for NATO and EU membership for Ukraine – and a commitment to the country’s victory. CDU MdB and foreign affairs expert Roderich Kiesewetter then joins the show to discus...2023-12-211h 15BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut14 – Leading from the Front: Germany and France Struggle to Rise to the Task [Part 2] In this second of a two-part series, Ben and Aaron take a look at how the French “Bratislava Agenda” of rapprochement with CEE and thus rebalancing European leadership complements – or clashes with – Germany's Zeitenwende, its supposed sea change in foreign and security policy. We talk support for Ukraine, how Germany and France should prepare for a possible Trump presidency in the US, and what a Marine Le Pen presidency would mean for Europe. Together with our guests we explore how Europe’s old couple might be drifting apart and why that matters – including because of their shared struggles to...2023-12-151h 00BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut14 – Germany and France: Fixing Europe’s Sputtering Engine [Part 1] In this first of a two-part series, Ben and Aaron take a look at the current dysfunction in what German foreign policy elites often refer to as the country’s most important bilateral relationship – and the “motor” through which Europe either moves or stalls. Guests Jacob Ross and Sylvie Kauffmann talk about the history of the relationship – and how generational shifts in France are seeing the Franco-German pair increasingly at odds over Europe’s future – particularly around future prospects for Ukraine and the role of Central and Eastern Europe. Guests: Sylvie Kauffman, Foreign Affairs Columnist, Le Monde and Auth...2023-12-121h 15BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut13 – Germany and Poland: From Historical Foes to Uneasy Friends [Part 2] In the second episode looking at Germany’s tough, but crucial relationship with Poland, Ben and Aaron are joined by former German Ambassador to Poland and author of Feinde, Fremde, Freunde (“Foes, Strangers, Friends”) – a book about Germany’s current relationship with Poland following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – to discuss the opportunities for reconciliation between Warsaw and Berlin following a pivotal Polish election, including by spotting ways to address German blind spots when it comes to Poland. Guest: Ambassador Rolf Nikel, Vice-President, DGAP (@NikelRolf) Resources: Feinde, Fremde, Freunde: Polen und die Deutschen, Ambassador Rolf Nikel 2023-12-0851 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut13 – Germany and Poland: New Opportunities, Old Challenges [Part 1] For the first part of a two-part special, Ben and Aaron get into a particularly important, but historically difficult and tense relationship – the one that Germany has with its largest eastern neighbour in Poland. Recent elections have seen a new Polish coalition gain the numbers to oust the populist Law & Justice Party from power in Warsaw, leaving Berlin with an opportunity to recalibrate its relationship with Poland – if it decides to seize the moment. As Ben and Aaron discuss with this week’s guests though, doing so will require some historical reconciliation – as well as for Germany to recog...2023-12-0559 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut12 – Why Ukraine Must Win – and What Germany Needs to Do [Part 1] In a very special BerlinsideOut, Ben and Aaron are joined by HE Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration directly after her keynote speech at the DGAP on 24/11/2023 - in which she outlined not only why Ukraine must win, but also why EU and NATO accession would benefit all Europeans, including Germans. We discuss the problems of Europe’s current Ukraine strategy, which locks in the costs of defeat without securing the benefits of victory with German parliamentarians Dr Kristian Klinck MdB (SPD) and Alexander Müller (FDP), as well as retired Aus...2023-12-011h 03BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut11 – Northern Outlooks: New Germany-scepticism in the Nordics? Ben and Aaron are joined in introducing this episode by Minna Ålander, as well as panelists Anna Wieslander, Tuomas Iso-Markku, and Kim Olsen – to talk about Germany’s relationship with the Nordic countries of Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. From the EU’s northern enlargement to the euro crisis, Germany’s Nordic partners in the EU had often looked to Berlin as a champion of their interests. Now though, Berlin’s slow and indecisive handling of both support for Ukraine and NATO enlargement has raised concern in Helsinki and Stockholm – even as new gas deliveries spur excitement in Oslo or increased...2023-11-281h 10BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut10 – Germany and the Baltic States: Imperial Histories, New Horizons [Part 2] In the second part of this two-part special, Ben and Aaron are joined by Professor Ulrike von Hirschhausen for an extended discussion of the ties that bind the Baltic States and Germany and the opportunities that new ways of seeing each other offer for greater mutual understanding. Looking beyond the state to the movements of people, goods and ideas, Prof. Hirshchausen situates the Baltics-Germany relationship in its global context. Drawing on her experience of living in Germany, Latvia and the United States, she discusses the region’s memory politics, histories of colonialism, and why the fight for freedom burns so...2023-11-2443 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut10 – Germany and the Baltic States: Being Ready to Die for Freedom [Part 1] For the first part of a two-part special, Ben and Aaron are joined this week by an all-star panel of Baltic politicians, including Marko Mihkelson and Žygimantas Pavilionis – who chair the Foreign Affairs Committees in Estonian and Lithuanian Parliament, respectively – along with Artis Pabriks, a former Foreign, Defense, and Deputy Prime Minister of Latvia. We discuss the differences in Baltic and German memory culture, attitudes to the military and to the defence of freedom - and how that plays into the ways Germany views Russia, Ukraine, and the Baltic states. We also look at how the Baltics view German commi...2023-11-2149 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut6b Bonus – Germany’s China Risks: Geoeconomics vs Geopolitics? In this bonus episode, we speak with DGAP CEO Dr. Guntram Wolff and Natixis Chief Economist Dr. Alicia Garcia-Herrero about the scale of Germany’s exposure to an increasingly aggressive China in particular, and the challenge of diversifying German supply chains to mitigate geopolitical risks, especially in critical sectors. We hear about competing views of friendshoring, dependency and even the desirability of buying Russian gas. The conversation is again structured by the ongoing tensions between geopolitical and geoeconomic perspectives. Especially on questions of weighing competing risks: to security on the one hand and to prosperity on the ot...2023-11-1743 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut9 – Germany’s Baltic Future: Can Berlin Learn from its Partners on Lake NATO? Ben and Aaron are joined on this episode by Oliver Moody, Berlin Correspondent for The Times and author of a forthcoming book entitled Baltic: The Future of Europe to be published by John Murray press. The book shows how the region is not only the frontier of our present security but of our better future. Described as the most economically, politically, and diplomatically integrated region on the planet – the Russian threat has seen the nine Baltic Sea countries step up military cooperation as well. Whether it’s Finnish and Swedish NATO accession or massive Polish rearmament, the Balt...2023-11-1449 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut8 – Germany’s Forgotten Friends: (Missed) Opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe Pivoting from key themes in German foreign and security policy to the country’s key relationships, BerlinsideOut takes the road, sadly, less travelled. Rather than ‘go West’ and look first to Paris or Washington, BerlinsideOut first heads east, to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), scene of some of Germany’s most significant foreign policy failings in recent times, but also a site of great opportunities for Europe’s future. Long overlooked or patronised by many in Western Europe, the region has struggled to overcome contradictions and challenges of its own, while battling to assert its belonging in the EU and...2023-11-0757 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut7 – Defending, Renewing & Spreading Liberal Democracy [Part 2] In the second part of our special report back from our high-level workshops in Berlin and Prague on Neo-idealism and grand strategy for liberal democracies, we look at why the stakes for Ukrainian victory against Russian aggression are so high – and what the outsize implications of the outcome might be. We also discuss whether the liberal democratic model is still attractive – and how modern democracies can remember the lessons of their histories to ensure both its renewal and spread. Guests: Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of Center for Civil Liberties, Ukraine and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (@avalaina) Jeffrey Gedm...2023-11-0348 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut7 – Defending, Renewing & Spreading Liberal Democracy [Part 1] This episode – the first in a two-part series – continues the discussion on Neo-idealism and grand strategy for liberal democracies started in Episode 4, by examining the dangers of taking liberal democracy for granted and putting it “on cruise control”. Gathering guests from across political traditions, this episode discusses the strategic choices democracies now face in defending themselves against authoritarian adversaries, renewing the promise of the liberal democratic model, and whether liberal democracy remains an attractive model to spread around the world. Guests: Chris Alexander, former Canadian Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and former Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan (@calxndr...2023-10-3159 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut6b Bonus – Do Germans Care About Geopolitics and Geoeconomics? Are everyday Germans willing to pay the “National Security Premium” to be less dependent on authoritarian countries like Russia and China? In this bonus episode, we speak with Jan Eichhorn about his recent research that suggests that the answer to that question is yes, they are. We also speak to him about what kind of messages the German public wants to send to their leaders on foreign policy more generally. Research from the independent ‘d|part’ think tank suggests Germans want leadership on geoeconomics and geopolitics but that German politicians need to go the extra mile to make the links th...2023-10-2730 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut6 – Germany’s National Security Premium: Escaping Dependency on Authoritarians This episode looks at how Germany’s trade and economic model became so entangled with authoritarian countries that – at best, don’t share the country’s stated values, and, at worst – are active threats to German, European, and global security. Whether it’s how vulnerable Germany became due to its dependence on Russian gas or its current reliance on Chinese-produced solar panels – Germany has long underpriced and underappreciated the security risks of trade links with these countries. It has also often ignored warnings from allies about these risks. We speak with our guests on the nature of these geoecono...2023-10-2454 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut5b Bonus – Germany’s Nuclear Taboo In this bonus episode, we speak with Anna Vero Wendland, a historian specialising in both German technology and Eastern Europe, about a particular sacred cow in German politics – the role of nuclear energy. Wendland’s writing argues in favour of using nuclear energy in Germany as a way for the country to meet its climate goals, ensure its growth, and reduce German dependence on authoritarian governments for energy – against most conventional German wisdom. We speak with Wendland about her book- Atomkraft? Ja bitte! -, how it’s been received, and what opportunities Germany is missing out on by not e...2023-10-2037 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut5 – Germany’s Energy and Climate Policy: Secure and Sustainable? This episode looks at how Germany long ignored the strategic and geopolitical implications of its energy policy. Whether it was the Russian gas of the past, the Qatari gas Germany has now replaced it with, or German dependence on China for many of the materials it needs for its transition to renewable energy - heating and powering Germany has long been dependent on authoritarian regimes that even pose a security threat to the country and its stated values. Meanwhile, the need to quickly replace Russian energy – on the back of its longer-standing decision to ditch nuclear power - has se...2023-10-171h 02BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOutTrailer – Theme Tune Thousands of you have already listened to BerlinsideOut and each of you who has, has heard our opening theme tune. Some of you have asked: What is it and why do you use that? Well, it is good that you asked, because there's a reason for it… BerlinsideOut, the podcast that takes an expert look at international politics from Berlin. Hosted by Dr. Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Action Group Zeitenwende at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), and Aaron Gasch Burnett, a journalist specialising in German politics, we look at how Ge...2023-10-1101 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut4 – Mastering the Zeitenwende: Grand Strategy for Liberal Democracies This episode deals with grand strategy and why liberal democracies like Germany now need a new strategic approach. First with Alice Stollmeyer and then with Chris Alexander, we identify internal and extrernal threats to liberal democracies and how to counteract them. But more broadly, we explore how to defend, renew, and spread liberal democracy and how to inspire people to do so. With our guests we draw lessons from the recent past, showing how liberal democracies lost our way, which can help us do better going forward. And, ahead of two high-level events on the topic, we highlight Neo-Idealism...2023-10-101h 02BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut3 – Rethinking Defence. Rethinking Germany. Defence is fundamental to Germany's sea change in its foreign and security policy because Germany has been so fundamentally deficient in this area. This was a key point that the country's leaders conceded in February last year after Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine. Having long underinvested in – and undervalued - its military, the country had been left unable to truly defend itself or play its full, proper role in NATO. Having courted accusations of cheap-riding and taking (at best) a naïve approach to geopolitics, Chancellor Scholz’s Zeitenwende speech raised expectations that Germany was finally ready...2023-10-031h 06BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut2b Bonus – Germany’s Zeitenwende Viewed From Ukraine This bonus episode features a special conversation with Ukrainian researcher and Germany expert Stepan Rusyn that zooms in on how Berlin’s approach is viewed from Ukraine. It looks at Ukraine’s victory and why it matters – as well as why Berlin does not yet fully support it and still hesitates to send any new type of weapons, including Taurus cruise missiles. Discussing fear of Russian (nuclear) escalation as well as Russian collapse as convenient excuses, Rusyn also explains the implications of Germany’s missing leadership and fear of war more broadly. We dismantle the discourse of enforced...2023-09-2626 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut2 – Ukraine and Germany: Victory, Belonging & the Future This episode centers around Ukraine – the importance of its victory in Russia’s war, and its future in Europe and the wider Western democratic alliance. We talk with our expert guests about how failing to aim for Ukrainian victory has conditioned piece-meal support from Germany, undermining its credibility and hurting both Ukrainian and wider western interests. German public opinion often runs ahead of political decision-making, which creates opportunities for leadership but, noting how far Germany has come since February 2022, we discuss how far it still has to go to get to a position that genuinely serves its inte...2023-09-2658 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOut1 – We Need to Talk About Germany. Episode 1 looks at why it’s important to understand Germany when looking at international politics today. The country’s past policies put it under the spotlight when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It drew further attention to itself when Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a ‘Zeitenwende’ or epochal shift and the need for Germany to change with the times. Germany has come a long way but has moved slowly on weapons for Ukraine. By contrast, it has speedily replaced Russian gas supply, but has created new dependencies on authoritarian states. The national security strategy suggests geostrategic confusio...2023-09-261h 04BerlinsideOutBerlinsideOutTrailer – BerlinsideOut BerlinsideOut, the podcast that takes an expert look at international politics from Berlin. Hosted by Dr. Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Action Group Zeitenwende at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), and Aaron Gasch Burnett, a journalist specialising in German politics, we look at how Germany sees the world and the world sees Germany. The podcast premieres on September 26 Stay up to date on the latest updates by subscribing to our newsletter: https://on.dgap.org/ENnewsletter Follow DGAP & the hosts on social media: Dr...2023-09-2502 minBerlinsideOutBerlinsideOutTeaser – BerlinsideOut BerlinsideOut, the podcast that takes an expert look at international politics from Berlin. Hosted by Dr. Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Action Group Zeitenwende at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), and Aaron Gasch Burnett, a journalist specialising in German politics, we look at how Germany sees the world and the world sees Germany. The podcast premieres on September 26 Stay up to date on the latest updates by subscribing to our newsletter: https://on.dgap.org/ENnewsletter Follow DGAP & the hosts on social media: Dr...2023-09-2200 minURSAURSAArts & Culture: Schlager and The Berlin New Stand-Up Award WinnerIssue 17: May 2023 In the final section URSA we bring you arts and culture from the heart of Berlin! We chat all things Schlager, including Helene Fischer, the genre’s roots, and FKK Schlager parties at SchwuZ with The Local Germany’s Aaron Gasch Burnett, who recently wrote an article on the German speaking world’s love for Schlager. We also bring you an events calendar featuring Eurovision viewing parties, a new must-see show at the Maxim Gorki Theater, and a new art exhibition showcasing pieces that focus on weather - clouds, a gust of wind, and the di...2023-05-0251 minDecades From Home - A Podcast About GermanyDecades From Home - A Podcast About GermanyEp 118: Tales of the HauptstadtSadly Dili was out this week, but luckily for us freelance writer & journalist Aaron Gasch Burnett was able to step into the breach. Some listeners may know Aaron from his work on the Germany in Focus podcast, as well as a variety of articles for many other publications.We kick off proceedings in typical German fashion with a test on Aarons credentials, and by credentials we mean opinions on German politeness, maple syrup, and of course cakes. Aaron discusses his experience of hosting the I am Germany Twitter account (@Germany_iam), his German grandparents, and even schools...2023-03-1859 min